HELLP syndrome and coagulopathies of pregnancy

The critically ill obstetric patient presents many unique management problems to the health care provider. Both the mother and her fetus can be profoundly affected by disease processes. One such challenging management problem in the obstetric population is the development of an underlying coagulopathy. Coagulopathies during pregnancy present diverse clinical pictures. The coagulopathy may be unaffected by the pregnancy or there may be a dynamic relationship between the pregnancy and the pathologic state. With the well-being of the mother and her fetus dependent upon management decisions, each must be considered in the management plan.